Foster service took the cat I wanted to keep with them temporarily.

Question

I picked up a stray cat that I had encountered every day on my morning route after it ran up to me. At the time, I couldn't keep it, so I called places to find someone to hold it until I got an apartment. The foster owner said I could contact them to get the cat later, but they gave it to another foster who now wants to keep it.

Answer

People who believe that their animal is being wrongfully withheld can sue to try to get the animal returned. I cannot predict the outcome of any given case. However, this may be an uphill battle unless there is a clear agreement regarding rights to the return of the cat. Verbal agreements can be difficult to enforce without corroborating evidence, in part because disputing parties often recount different versions of their agreement. The court may also consider whether boarding/fostering fees were paid. I hope this all works out for the cat. He/she is lucky that you rescued him/her. If the cat is not returned to you, consider adopting a cat from a local shelter or rescue. There are so many homeless cats in need of a loving home.